Back in December 2023, I spent just over three weeks in Freeport, Grand Bahama, during my very first TrustedHousesitters stay. It was also my first time spending an extended period of time in The Bahamas, and it gave me the chance to experience the island beyond the typical cruise stop.
If you’re looking for nonstop nightlife and packed beaches, Grand Bahama may not be the destination for you. Compared to places like Nassau or Bimini, it has a much slower pace and a quieter, more laid-back atmosphere. Some travelers might say there’s not much to do, but I actually found that to be part of its charm.
What Grand Bahama lacks in crowds, it makes up for with stunning beaches, crystal-clear turquoise water, and a peaceful island vibe. It was the perfect place to slow down, spend time outdoors, and enjoy some of the most beautiful beaches I’ve ever visited.
Whether you’re visiting Grand Bahama on a cruise or flying in for a long weekend, this guide covers my favorite beaches, restaurants, and things to do to help you plan your trip.
Best of all, it’s incredibly easy to reach this Caribbean island. My flight from Fort Lauderdale to Freeport took only about an hour, with less than 30 minutes spent in the air, making it one of the easiest tropical getaways from South Florida.
Best Things To See, Eat, and Do in Freeport, Grand Bahama
What To Do in Grand Bahama
Grand Bahama is the northernmost island in The Bahamas and home to the city of Freeport. Known for its crystal-clear turquoise water, uncrowded beaches, and relaxed pace of life, it’s the perfect destination for travelers looking to escape the crowds and unwind. Whether you’re interested in snorkeling, kayaking, exploring local markets, or simply spending the day on some of the Caribbean’s most beautiful beaches, Grand Bahama offers a quieter side of The Bahamas that’s well worth experiencing.
Banana Bay Beach & Restaurant (Fortuna Beach)
If you’re dreaming of stunning teal waters and a local vibe, put an afternoon at Banana Bay Restaurant and Bar on your list.
Located just 9km outside of downtown Freeport, this eatery located on Fortune Bay Beach is the perfect place to soak up some sun and surf. Banana Bay is also a restaurant and bar featuring tropical drinks, bar snacks, seafood, and their famous Bahamian Banana Bread.
When I went, there were lounge chairs available to rent, but I opted to spread my beach towel on the soft white sand and enjoy a Sand beer.
Sands beer is a pale lager brewed by the Bahamian Brewery & Beverage Company in Freeport, Grand Bahama. It comes in delightful flavors like Passion Guava Radler (my favorite!), Pink (Grapefruit) Rattler, and regular. While I’m not a huge beer drinker, I found these delightful local beers to be delicious and refreshing, especially in the hot Caribbean summer sun.
Taino Beach
One of the first places I explored on my own was Taino Beach. During the first half of my stay on Grand Bahama, I didn’t have access to a car, so I relied entirely on the bicycle my TrustedHousesitters host had found for me. Although Taino Beach was only about a 15-minute ride from where I was staying, I wouldn’t necessarily call it a bike-friendly route. Still, I made it there and back without any issues, and the adventure was well worth it.
Taino Beach is another excellent beach for both visitors and locals. I arrived early in the morning before the beach bars and restaurants had opened, so it was incredibly peaceful. Later in the day, however, you’ll find restaurants, beach bars, chair rentals, and a livelier atmosphere. Whether you’re looking to relax on the sand or spend the afternoon enjoying the local beach scene, Taino Beach is definitely worth checking out.
Xanadu Beach
Xanadu is another Bahamian beach with crystal clear teal water. Apparently, it’s popular with tourists, especially those traveling to the island by cruise ship; however, I lucked out when I visited and had it all to myself!
I’ll never get over how beautiful and clear the water was! The only drawback was that there were no food vendors or chairs to rent. That being said, I’d definitely recommend this beach to anyone looking to enjoy a little beach time.
Port Lucayan Marketplace
Another afternoon during my month-long stay, I decided to explore Port Lucaya Marketplace by bike. I biked about 20 minutes to the Lucayan Ferry, brought my bike aboard, and crossed the bay to Port Lucaya Marketplace. From there, I spent the early morning riding around, browsing the colorful local shops, and soaking up the relaxed island atmosphere.
The marketplace is home to a variety of souvenir shops, local artisans, restaurants, and bars, making it a great place to spend a few hours. If you’re visiting Freeport, I definitely recommend adding Port Lucaya Marketplace to your itinerary.
Note: As of July 16, 2026, the ferry is now only available to guests of the Taino Beach Resort, Flamingo Bay Hotel & Marina, and Pelican Bay Resort.
Lucayan National Park (Caverns)
Over the Fourth of July, I rented a car and drove from Freeport to Lucayan National Park on the eastern end of Grand Bahama. It was well worth the drive and ended up being one of my favorite adventures on the island.
The park features several nature trails that wind through native pine forests and mangroves, along with one of the longest underwater cave systems in the world. While you can’t explore the caves without specialized equipment, visitors can safely walk along boardwalks and viewing platforms to see the cave entrances and learn about the area’s unique geology and ecosystem.
Admission was required during my visit (it’s around $15 per adult at the time of writing), but I thought it was well worth the cost. Your admission also gives you access to the parking area, making it easy to leave your car while you explore the park and then walk across the road to nearby Gold Rock Beach.
Pro tip: arrive early, especially if you’re visiting during the summer. We didn’t get there until around 10:30 a.m., and by the time we’d finished hiking the trails, the Bahamian heat was intense. Be sure to bring plenty of water, wear comfortable walking shoes, and don’t forget sunscreen. The walk to Gold Rock Beach isn’t long, but you’ll definitely appreciate getting an early start before the hottest part of the day.
Gold Rock Beach
After exploring the caves and nature trails at Lucayan National Park, I took the short walk across the road to Gold Rock Beach, and it completely took my breath away.
The beach was everything you picture when you imagine The Bahamas: powder-soft white sand, crystal-clear water, and brilliant shades of turquoise stretching as far as the eye could see. It was easily one of the most beautiful beaches I visited during my time on Grand Bahama.
What made the experience even more special was how peaceful it was. Aside from a handful of visitors who had also come from Lucayan National Park, the beach was nearly empty. I think a few people had arrived from a cruise ship, but even then, there were probably no more than 10 or 15 people on the entire beach. The lack of crowds made it feel like our own private slice of paradise and gave us plenty of space to soak in the incredible scenery.
If you’re visiting Grand Bahama, I highly recommend pairing Lucayan National Park with Gold Rock Beach. Together, they make for one of the best half-day adventures on the island.
Free Things to do in Grand Bahama
- Walk the Lucayan Market
- Go to the beach.
- Take the ferry to Port Lucayan Marketplace.
- Bike around town.
More Things To Do In Grand Bahama
Check out these tours and experiences offered by Viator. When I travel, I typically book excursions either directly through the attraction or through Viator.
Where to Eat and Drink in Grand Bahama
Grand Bahama is one of the Caribbean’s top food destinations for Conch and Seafood. Visitors can also find popular alternatives like burgers, sandwiches, and even pasta!
Flying Fish Gastro Bar (Freeport)
During my nearly month-long stay on Grand Bahama, I only ate out about five times, and three of those meals were at Flying Fish GastroBar. I think that alone says everything you need to know about how much I enjoyed it.
Overlooking the water, Flying Fish GastroBar is known for its elevated island cuisine, fresh seafood, handcrafted cocktails, and beautiful bay views. It’s the perfect spot for a leisurely lunch or a sunset dinner.
Each time I visited, I ordered a veggie burger topped with crispy fried onions and a flavorful aioli, and it was absolutely delicious. While it looks like that particular burger is no longer on the menu, I have no doubt the restaurant is still one of the best places to eat on Grand Bahama. If you’re looking for a memorable meal while visiting Freeport, Flying Fish GastroBar should definitely be on your list.
Old Bahama Bay Resort (West End)
At the very tip of the island sits Old Bahama Bay Resort & Yacht Harbour, an upscale waterfront resort overlooking the turquoise waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Even if you’re not staying at the resort, day visitors are welcome to drive through the security gate to dine at the restaurants or arrive by boat and enjoy the marina.
While I was there, I stopped at The Straw Bar, a casual open-air restaurant with gorgeous ocean views. I ordered one of Jessy’s famous club sandwiches, and it absolutely lived up to the hype. Between the delicious food, tropical breeze, and waterfront setting, it was well worth the drive from Freeport.
Although Old Bahama Bay doesn’t currently offer day passes for its resort amenities, visitors are welcome to dine on the property, enjoy the marina, and book activities like kayaking and boating through local tour operators. If you’re looking to experience a quieter corner of Grand Bahama, it’s definitely worth adding to your itinerary.
And if you’re looking for a place to stay on the island, I would put this place at the top of your list. The property and accommodations looked equally gorgeous and well-kept!
Dolphin Cove Whiskey Bar (Freeport)
I’m going to be honest with you… I’m not sure if I had one too many rum punches, if I was just exhausted after adventuring, or if my memory has simply faded since 2023, but I do remember stopping by Dolphin Cove Whiskey Bar for a few drinks one evening.
However, I only remember a relaxed atmosphere, a beautiful full moon reflecting over the water. Unfortunately, I don’t remember much more than that, which probably says more about the rum punches than it does about Dolphin Cove.
If you’re looking for a laid-back waterfront spot to enjoy a tropical cocktail and soak in the island atmosphere, Dolphin Cove is definitely worth adding to your list. You’ll have to tell me if the food is any good!
Solomon’s Supermarket (Lucaya Shopping Center in Freeport)
Since I was staying on Grand Bahama for nearly a month, I cooked most of my own meals and made several grocery runs during my stay. I shopped at Solomon’s as well as another grocery store near Midshipman Road.
Of the two, Solomon’s was by far my favorite. It was well-stocked and felt very similar to a typical grocery store in the United States, making it easy to find everything I needed.
The biggest surprise, however, was the cost. During my visit in June and July 2023, I found many grocery items to be roughly two to three times more expensive than what I was used to paying in South Florida. I can only imagine how prices have changed since then.
Despite the sticker shock, Solomon’s was a great place to stock up on groceries, snacks, drinks, and other travel essentials during my stay.
Best Places to Stay in Grand Bahama
Grand Bahama offers a variety of places to stay, from beachfront resorts and boutique hotels to vacation rentals and private homes. During my trip, I stayed at a private residence through TrustedHousesitters, which gave me the unique opportunity to experience the island like a local while spending nearly a month in Freeport.
If housesitting isn’t your style, you’ll also find plenty of hotels, all-inclusive resorts, and Airbnb rentals throughout Freeport and the surrounding areas. Whether you’re visiting for a quick cruise stop, a long weekend, or an extended island getaway, there are accommodations to fit just about every travel style and budget.
Expedia
I always book either directly with the hotel or through Expedia, depending on which is cheaper. I like that I can still earn loyalty cash without having to sign up for multiple hotel rewards programs. However, sometimes it is cheaper to book directly with the hotel, so always be sure to check.
Trusted Housesitters
I have been using TrustedHousesitters on and off since 2023. My first sit was in Freeport, Bahamas, for nearly a month with four giant dogs. While that trip was interesting in a few not-so-great ways, I’ve learned a lot from that experience and have had much better stays since. You can read more about my Bahamas housesitting experience here.
Since my initial experience, I’ve had several other great experiences, including Charleston and Atlanta. Want to try TrustedHousesitters? Use my link to get 25% off a membership.
Is Grand Bahama (Freeport) Safe?
Overall, I felt safe during my stay on Grand Bahama, whether I was exploring Freeport, relaxing on the beaches, biking around the island, or visiting attractions like Lucayan National Park and Port Lucaya Marketplace. As with any destination, it’s important to stay aware of your surroundings, especially after dark or in unfamiliar areas.
During my three-week stay, I spent much of my time exploring on my own by bicycle, ferry, and on foot. I never encountered any safety issues and found the locals to be friendly, but not overly welcoming like many other islands and tourist destinations. That said, Grand Bahama has a much slower pace than many Caribbean destinations. Outside of the main tourist areas, parts of the island can feel surprisingly quiet and even a little desolate at times. I never felt unsafe, but I was more aware of my surroundings simply because there weren’t many people around.
If you’re planning a trip to Grand Bahama, I’d recommend exploring during the day, keeping valuables out of sight, and using the same common-sense precautions you would anywhere else. Overall, I had a wonderful experience and wouldn’t hesitate to visit again. If you’re looking for uncrowded beaches, crystal-clear turquoise water, and a relaxed island atmosphere, Grand Bahama is a fantastic destination.
What To Pack For Grand Bahama
Packing for Grand Bahama was actually pretty easy for me because I live in South Florida. Since the climate is so similar, I packed what I normally wear at home: lightweight athletic clothes, UPF sun shirts, shorts, sandals, comfortable walking shoes, and a handful of swimsuits. If you’re traveling from Florida or another warm-weather destination, you probably won’t need to buy anything special for your trip.
Whether you’re spending the day relaxing on the beach, exploring Lucayan National Park, biking around Freeport, kayaking, snorkeling, or wandering Port Lucaya Marketplace, you’ll likely spend most of your time outdoors. My biggest recommendation is to pack breathable clothing, several swimsuits, a reusable water bottle, electrolyte packets, sunscreen, a hat, polarized sunglasses, and anything else that will help you stay cool in the tropical heat. If you’re visiting during the summer months as I did, be prepared for extremely hot, humid afternoons and plan outdoor adventures for earlier in the day whenever possible.
I like the heat and feel pretty acclimated to it, but I’ll admit, there were a few days at the beach that were too hot even for me! So, pack and plan accordingly.
Tell Me Everything!
What are your favorite things to see, do, or eat in Freeport, Grand Bahama?
*Disclosure: I only recommend products I try myself, and all opinions expressed here are my own. I am a Viator and Expedia partner. This post may contain affiliate links through which, at no additional cost to you, I may earn a small commission. Thanks for supporting the Eat Well. Adventure Often. blog!